Thomas is a blue tank engine who works at a big station on the Island of Sodor. His job is to fetch coaches for the big engines to take on long journeys and take the empty ones away when trains arrive. Thomas thinks he works the hardest and is often very cheeky to the bigger engines, especially Gordon, the biggest and proudest one, who pulls the express, Thomas likes whistling rudely at him.
One day, Gordon returns from a long journey and wants a rest, so he finds a siding to sleep in. Thomas sneaks up and gives a cheeky whistle, telling Gordon to wake up and work harder and runs off, laughing. This is the final straw for Gordon and instead of falling back asleep, he vows to teach get back at Thomas.
One morning, Thomas' crew is unable to make him start. Gordon and the passengers impatiently wait at Knapford station for Thomas to bring the coaches. Finally, Thomas starts; he hurries to get the express coaches and brings them to the station platform behind Gordon. Gordon then enacts his plan, he quickly backs down, couples to his train and hurries his passengers to get in. Thomas usually pushes from behind the big trains to help them get a good start, but is always uncoupled from the coaches first. This time, however, Thomas' crew forgets to uncouple him and Gordon quickly starts off, with Thomas being pulled along. Gordon races through the countryside to show Thomas how hard it is to pull the express. It isn't long before Thomas is quite out of breath and his wheels ache, but he's forced to go on.
After a while, the express comes to a stop at Wellsworth Station. Thomas is uncoupled and feels very silly and exhausted. He gets turned around on a turntable, moves into a siding and then has a long drink from the water tower. He puffs home very slowly; having learned not to act so cheeky toward Gordon ever again.
